Summary
- Robert Downey Jr.'s role as Iron Man redefined his career and made him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
- Jim Carrey showcased his dramatic range in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, earning nominations for major awards.
- Adam Sandler's dynamic performance in Uncut Gems challenged previous perceptions of him as just a comedic actor.
Numerous actors have initially become synonymous with a specific genre or established their unique brand, only to later defy expectations and find renewed success in high-profile roles. Whether confined to comedic characters, ing roles, or clichéd franchises, some actors have broken free from their typical molds with remarkable and surprising performances. A calculated career shift or a collaboration with some of the best directors of all time are some of the ways actors have found to redefine their careers.
Some of those examples even went on to win Oscars, fundamentally altering the trajectory of their later careers. Others experienced career resurgences after spending time out of the spotlight, gaining new generations of fans and renewed respect in the industry. Regardless, Hollywood would not be the same had some incredible performers not tried something different.
10 Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man
Tony Stark/Iron Man
Robert Downey Jr.'s leading role as the original face of the Marvel Cinematic Universe had a profound impact on both his career and the industry. Although he had received acclaim in the late 1980s and earned an Oscar nomination for his titular role in Chaplin in the early '90s, the end of the century marked a period of personal struggles for Downey Jr. His charismatic performance as the genius billionaire completely redefined his career and made Iron Man into a pop culture icon. The role not only showcased his talent but also symbolized a new beginning for his career, with Downey Jr. becoming one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
9 Jim Carrey in Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind
Joel Barish
After establishing himself with his broad physical comedy chops that took over the world throughout the 1990s, Jim Carrey demonstrated a level of nuance and depth in his role in Charlie Kaufman and Michel Gondry's unconventional romance that proved a major departure from his predominantly zany previous work. The film showcased a side of Carrey that many had not seen before, earning him nominations for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe. The role highlighted his dramatic range and revealed his ability to handle complex, emotional material.
8 Robert Pattinson in Good Time
Constantine "Connie" Nikas
After effortlessly portraying the enigmatic vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight franchise, Pattinson experienced significant success collaborating with independent filmmakers. In 2016, the crime drama Good Time marked a notable shift for Pattinson, with many deeming it a career-best performance. Pattinson underwent a complete transformation, believably turning into a desperate bank robber and born-and-raised New Yorker, delivering a performance that showcased shocking humanity and an intensely anxious energy. The role underscored that he was a genuine talent with a penchant for transforming into his roles and for conveying real emotional depth.
7 Tom Cruise in Magnolia
Frank T.J. Mackey
While Cruise had tackled dramatic roles before, it was his performances in two 1999 releases, Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut and Paul Thomas Anderson's Magnolia, that truly revealed to general audiences his depth and talent beyond his typically charming characters. In Magnolia, Cruise took on the role of the misogynistic self-help guru Frank Mackey. The character's complexity and vulnerability showcased a side of Cruise far removed from the heroic action roles he had predominantly taken on prior. The role revealed Cruise as a versatile talent, able to be compelling without the flairs of genre-heavy films, and earned him the film's only acting nomination at the Oscars.
6 Adam Sandler in Uncut Gems
Howard Ratner
In a parallel fashion to how the Safdie brothers altered public perceptions of Robert Pattinson with their film Good Time, the directors similarly reshaped Adam Sandler's image when they cast him in their 2019 crime drama. Following a string of less-than-stellar comedy films in the 2010s, Sandler's dynamic and frenetic performance in Uncut Gems led many to declare it as the pinnacle of Adam Sandler's movie career. The role garnered the actor numerous award nominations and further demonstrated his ability to excel in dramatic and suspenseful roles, challenging previous perceptions of him as primarily a comedic actor.
5 Charlize Theron in Monster
Aileen "Lee" Wuornos
Charlize Theron's portrayal of a real-life American serial killer in the 2003 film Monster not only garnered significant praise but also earned the South African actor the Academy Award for Best Actress. In contrast to her previous roles in romantic comedies, action films, and thrillers, Monster allowed Theron to showcase her versatility and dramatic skills. Theron's intense and discomforting portrayal, and complete immersion into the role, defined the movie. The transformative nature of her role in Monster marked a turning point in her perception, highlighting Theron's profound capacity for inhabiting unique characters with real depth.
4 John Travolta in Pulp Fiction
Vincent Vega
Despite being a significant figure in 1970s blockbusters, Travolta's career had experienced a decline in the years leading up to the release of Pulp Fiction. Quentin Tarantino's decision to cast Travolta brought the actor back into the spotlight and reacquainted audiences with his unique screen presence. The role not only allowed Travolta to showcase his acting prowess but also provided an opportunity to break away from his earlier heartthrob image, portraying a more enigmatic character. This departure earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor, in addition to revitalizing his standing in the film industry.
3 Leslie Nielsen in Airplane!
Dr. Rumack
Before his role in the smash-hit comedy Airplane!, Nielsen's career primarily consisted of dramatic roles in film and TV. After seeking a transition into comedy, Nielsen found the perfect vehicle to showcase his comedic timing and talent for deadpan delivery. In his portrayal of the somber and overly serious Dr. Rumack in Airplane!, one of the best comedies of all time, Nielsen skillfully lampooned the types of "serious" roles he had previously played. The role changed the trajectory of his career, leading to a string of successful comedy roles that defined the latter half of his career.
2 Brendan Fraser In The Whale
Charlie
After cementing himself as a Hollywood star in the 1990s and early 2000s before being failed by the industry, Brendan Fraser seemingly disappeared from the spotlight, making only sporadic film releases with mixed receptions. However, Fraser made a triumphant return in 2022 with his role as an English teacher with unhealthy weight struggling to repair his relationship with his daughter before his death in The Whale. The movie earned Fraser an Oscar for Best Actor. The role not only brought Fraser back into the spotlight in a major way but also showcased that he was far more than a ing facade of 90s cinema, instead proving him to be a genuinely talented dramatic actor.
1 Matthew McConaughey in Dallas Buyers Club
Ron Woodroof
Before portraying the real-life Woodroof, McConaughey was primarily known for his magnetic presence in action films and romantic comedies. In an effort to shift this perception and pursue more challenging roles, the actor made a deliberate decision to turn down projects, leading to a two-year hiatus from work. Upon his return to the screen, one of his first major roles was as Ron Woodroof who, during the AIDS epidemic, smuggled unlicensed pharmaceuticals into Texas. For this transformative role, McConaughey lost nearly 50 pounds. However, it was his astonishingly comionate and committed performance that truly stood out. This portrayal earned McConaughey the Academy Award for Best Actor.
